Help fund research and give hope
Icon Cancer Foundation has launched its annual appeal to fund vital research so patients, like Katie, can access new treatments and spend more time with their families.
At just 48, Hobart mother of two Katie is living with advanced bowel cancer. She’s relying on research, hoping for a discovery that could give her more time with her family.
Right now, current treatments are keeping the cancer stable. But at some point, Katie may need a new option.
With your support, research funded through Icon Cancer Foundation helps clinicians across the Icon Cancer Centre network continue the search for new treatments.
“It’s only through research that new treatments may be discovered and give me more time with my family.” - Katie, patient at Icon Cancer Centre Hobart
“It’s only through research that new treatments may be discovered and give me more time with my family.”
- Katie, patient at Icon Cancer Centre Hobart
Together with her medical oncologist, Associate Professor Louise Nott, Katie is exploring what may come next.
“For Katie’s cancer, a clinical trial may be the next best step for her,” says A/Prof Nott.
“It’s about giving patients the longest and best quality of life possible through treatments. We’re always looking for what’s next.”
If you are in a position to do so, we would be deeply grateful for your support of the appeal.
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$2.5 million boost for cancer research
Cancer patients in Australia are set to benefit from greater access to cutting-edge treatments, thanks to a $2.5 million gift to not-for-profit organisation, Icon Cancer Foundation (ICF) from a prominent Brisbane family.
Television personality, Charli Robinson, and race car driver, Liam Talbot, have made this generous contribution to help more patients access innovative treatments and to support research that could change the future of cancer care.
“Cancer affects so many families. We wanted to support initiatives that give patients access to new cancer therapies and strengthen the research that will shape the future of cancer care,” Mr Talbot said.
A key part of the gift will help expand Icon’s established clinical trials program, allowing Icon to deliver even more world-first studies and greater access to new and emerging treatments.
The donation will also support the continued growth of Icon’s cellular therapy program, the largest privately operated program of its kind in Australia.
Charli Robinson says that helping patients benefit from the latest treatments was at the heart of their family’s decision.
“We know access to innovative treatments can be life changing. Knowing our gift will help patients take part in pioneering trials and access the therapies they need when it matters most is incredibly important to us,” Ms Robinson said.
Read more: qrco.de/icfinsight-winter2026
Connecting with the community
Run for research
On Pace Multisport held its third annual community fun run in Brisbane to raise funds for cancer research and honour the memory of Phil Griff who received care at Icon Cancer Centre.
ICF is deeply grateful for the ongoing support of On Pace Multisport and their community. A special thank you to Phil’s family, Sheree and daughters Jorja and Caitlin, for inviting ICF to be a part of honouring Phil’s legacy.
Read more: qrco.de/icfinsight-winter2026
A family transforming cancer care
A Brisbane family’s fundraising effort is helping improve support for patients accessing cellular therapy research at Icon Cancer Centre.
After the loss of her husband Liam, Josephine O’Brien raised $265,000 for Icon Cancer Foundation, funding a new Cellular Therapy Coordinator role within Icon’s expanding cellular therapy program.
As access to innovative treatments and clinical trials continues to grow, the specialised nursing role will support patients navigating these complex therapies, including CAR T-cell therapy.
The coordinator provides a consistent point of contact, helping patients manage appointments, understand their treatment pathway, and feel supported throughout their care.
In a meaningful connection, the role has been filled by Clare Smith, a nurse who cared for Liam during his treatment.
Diagnosed in 2022 with a rare and aggressive blood cancer, Liam and Josephine also launched The Life-saving List, a campaign to increase stem cell donor registrations. The initiative led to a national surge in donations and government commitments to reform the registry.
Josephine said the new role reflects what her family hoped to achieve. “If this can make the journey even a little easier for patients, that means everything.”
Read more: qrco.de/icfinsight-winter2026
Monthly giving to Icon Cancer Foundation is a simple way you can support life-changing cancer research. Your ongoing contribution helps expand access to clinical trials and provides stable, reliable funding for our researchers to advance new treatments. It only takes a few minutes to set up your monthly gift. Become an ICF Champion today.
